Overview

This bill aims to reform election rules in the UK, primarily focusing on candidate spending limits and nomination procedures. It increases the amount candidates can spend during general elections, clarifies the definition of election expenses to include digital advertising and unsolicited calls, and abolishes the candidate deposit requirement.

Description

Candidate Spending Limits

The bill significantly increases the maximum amount a candidate can spend during a general election. For both county and borough constituencies, the limit rises from £8,700 to £20,000. Related per-elector spending limits also increase.

Definition of Election Expenses

The bill updates the definition of election expenses to explicitly include digital advertising and unsolicited telephone calls to electors. It clarifies the rules around what constitutes campaign material and how costs related to digital advertising and unsolicited calls are calculated.

Nomination and Deposit

The bill reduces the number of signatures required for candidate nomination. More significantly, it abolishes the deposit candidates previously had to pay to stand for election.

Electoral Commission's Role

The bill grants the Electoral Commission enhanced powers to oversee the new rules and ensure compliance. The Secretary of State can create regulations to allow the Electoral Commission to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with spending limits.

Review Mechanism

The bill mandates a periodic review of the bill's impact on political spending, with findings to be published regularly.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to directly impact government spending significantly. The increased spending limit for candidates could indirectly lead to higher overall election costs, but the abolition of the candidate deposit may offer some minor savings. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Candidates: Will benefit from increased spending limits and the removal of the deposit requirement, potentially making it easier to stand for election.
• Political Parties: May face increased financial burdens supporting candidates with higher spending limits.
• Electoral Commission: Will have increased responsibilities for enforcing the new regulations.
• Voters: May see changes in the nature and volume of election campaigning due to increased spending on digital advertising and unsolicited communication.

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